Football: Quetta killings cancel PPFL tie

PEL concede match against Muslim FC in Chaman.

KARACHI: The massacre of 13 men belonging to the Hazara community in Quetta led to the cancellation of the Pakistan Premier Football League match in Chaman as Pel decided to skip their fixture against Muslim FC.

Pel refused to travel to Chaman as six of their players belong to the Hazara region. However, match commissioner Mohammad Samad insisted that the security situation in Chaman was fine. “The security situation is under control in Chaman although the teams are still wary of coming here,” Samad told The Express Tribune. “As an official, I can confidently say that Chaman is safe and the last match went smoothly.” The development meant that Muslim FC got a walk-over against Pel. They now lie sixth in the league with 20 points, while Pel languish at the bottom of the table with only six points.

Meanwhile, NBP defeated PIA 2-0 while PMC Athletico and PAF were involved in a goal-less draw.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 5^th, 2011.